Are you looking to learn the ins and outs of the don’t come bet in craps? Then you’re in the right place.
In this guide, we’ll dive into the basics of Come and Don’t Come bets, explain what the Don’t Come bet is and how it works, the payout, house edge, and some pro tips and strategies to up your game.
So, let’s get started!
Key Takeaways on the Don’t Come Bet
- Understanding Come and Don’t Come Bets: These bets are similar to Pass and Don’t Pass but can be made at any time after the come-out roll. They add flexibility and strategy to your craps gameplay.
- The Don’t Come Bet Explained: A Don’t Come bet wins if a 2 or 3 is rolled, pushes on a 12, and loses on a 7 or 11. If another number is rolled, it becomes the point for this bet, winning if a 7 is rolled before this number is rolled again.
- Payouts and House Edge: The payout for Don’t Come bets varies with the point, offering 1:2, 2:3, or 5:6 odds. The house edge is slightly higher than the Don’t Pass bet but still offers a favorable bet for players.
- Leveraging Free Odds: Adding Free Odds to your Don’t Come bet reduces the overall house edge on your wager, providing an attractive option for players looking to maximize returns.
- Pro Tips and Strategies: Combining Don’t Come bets with other wagers like Don’t Pass and Field Bets or employing a betting system can enhance your craps strategy, providing both coverage and potential for higher payouts.

The Basics of Come and Don’t Come Bets
Before diving into the bet’s specifics, it’s essential to understand the basics of Come and Don’t Come bets.
Both of these bets are similar to the pass line and don’t pass line bets, with a few key differences:
- Pass and Don’t Pass bets are placed before the come-out roll, which is the first roll in a new round of craps.
- A Pass bet wins if the come-out roll is a natural (7 or 11) and loses if it’s a craps (2, 3, or 12). A Don’t Pass bet wins if the come-out roll is a craps and loses if it’s a natural.
- On the other hand, you can make Come and Don’t Come bets any time after the come-out roll. The Come/Don’t Come bets are placed after the point has been established.
- Any other number rolled becomes the “point”, and the bet is placed on that number. If the point is rolled again before a 7, the come bet wins. If a 7 is rolled before the point, the come bet loses.
The don’t come bet is the opposite of the come bet.
It is placed on the don’t come line and wins if the next roll is a 2 or 3. The don’t come bet loses if the next roll is a 7 or 11. If the next roll is a 12, the bet is a push, and no money is lost or gained.
If any other number is rolled, it becomes the “point”, and the bet is placed on that number. If the point is rolled again before a 7, the don’t come bet loses.
If a 7 is rolled before the point, the don’t come bet wins.
What is the Don’t Come Bet in Craps?
The Don’t Come bet is a wager that the shooter will not roll a specific number (the “point”) on the next roll of the dice.
This bet is placed on the layout of the craps table after the point has been established.
To make a Don’t Come bet, you have to place your chips on the “don’t come” area of the layout, which is located next to the “come” area. If the shooter rolls a 7 on the next roll, you win the bet.
If the shooter rolls the point number, you lose the bet. If the shooter rolls any other number, the bet is considered “off” and has no effect on the game.

For example:
Let’s say the point has been established as 8. If you make a Don’t Come bet, you’re betting that the shooter will roll a 7 before rolling an 8. If the shooter rolls a 7 before rolling an 8, your Don’t Come bet wins. If the shooter rolls an 8 before rolling a 7, your Don’t Come bet loses.
Payout and House Edge
The payout for a Don’t Come bet depends on the point number that has been established:
- If the point is 4 or 10, the payout is 1 to 2;
- If the point is 5 or 9, the payout is 2 to 3;
- If the point is 6 or 8, the payout is 5 to 6.
The house edge for a Don’t Come bet is slightly higher than for a Don’t Pass bet.
The house edge for a resolved Don’t Come bet (meaning the point has been established) is 1.40%, while the house edge for a Don’t Pass bet is 1.36%.
Free Odds on Don’t Come Bets
One way to increase your chances of winning and payout is by taking advantage of free odds on don’t come bets.
Free odds are a side bet that you can make in addition to the don’t come bet, and they offer true odds rather than the standard even money payout.
To place a Free Odds bet on a Don’t Come bet, you’ll need to ask the dealers for assistance, as these bets are not marked on the table.
When the point on your Don’t Come wager is determined, you’ll place your chips near the Don’t Come area on the layout.
With this Odds wager, you’re betting on whether the shooter will roll the 7 or the point number first. If your original Don’t Come bet wins, so will your Odds wager.
You can make Free Odds bets in various sizes, but they are typically a multiple of the original Don’t Come bet.
For example:
If you make a $10 Don’t Come bet and the point is 8, you might decide to lay 3x Odds, which would require you to place an additional $30 in chips on the table. If the 7 is rolled before the point number (in this case, 8), you’ll receive an even payout for your Don’t Come bet, and an attractive payout for your Free Odds bet.
The payouts for Free Odds bets vary depending on the point number established in the roll.
- On points 4 or 10, the payout is 2 to 1;
- On points 5 and 9, the payout is 3 to 2;
- On points 6 and 8, the payout is 6 to 5.
These payouts offer true odds, meaning the risk equals the payout. For example, on a point of 8, there are 5 ways to roll the point number.
At the same time, there are 6 ways to roll a 7, so the odds are 6 to 5, and this is reflected in the payout.
Pro Tip: Strategies for Using the Don’t Come Bet
If you’re a craps player looking to improve your chances of winning, the Don’t Come bet is a great option.
With a low house edge of 1.36% (1.40% on a resolved bet), it’s one of the most favorable bets in the game. Plus, you can place it anytime once the point has been established.
To optimize the gameplay, you can combine the Don’t Come bet with other wagers. One way to do this is by placing odds on the Don’t Come bet, as mentioned earlier.
It is important to note that most of the total bet per round should be placed on the Free Odds bet, while the original bet should be kept as low as possible.
This tip is handy for the Don’t Come bet when paired with free odds and for any wagers supported by higher odds.
For example: If you plan on betting $30 per round, place $6 on the Don’t Come bet and add 4x Free Odds for $24.
The reason for this is straightforward – while the Don’t Come bet has a 1.40% house edge, the Odds bet has no house edge. The expected loss is higher if you only place a Don’t Come bet without odds.
How to Combine the Don’t Pass and Don’t Come Bets
This strategy focuses on you winning if a 2 or 3 is rolled. Both bets come with low risk; if you win, you will receive winnings from both.
The Don’t Come bet is placed once the Don’t Pass point has been established, covering both the natural numbers (7 and 11) and the craps numbers (2 and 3, except the 12).
Adding maximum odds to these bets is even better.
Don’t Come, Don’t Pass and Field Bet Strategy
Another effective strategy that involves the Don’t Come bet is a combination of Don’t Pass, Don’t Come, and a Field Bet.
The Field box includes the three craps numbers (2, 3, and 12) and the numbers 4, 9, 10, and 11. A winning Field bet pays out differently depending on the rolled number – it pays evenly for 3, 4, 9, 10, or 11; 2:1 for 2; and 3:1 for 12.
This pattern allows you to bet on even more numbers and increase your chances of winning.
The Don’t Come Press Strategy
This strategy involves increasing the size of your bet after each win and resetting it to the original amount after a loss.
For example, if you place a $10 Don’t Come bet, and it wins, you might increase your bet to $20 on the next roll. If that bet also wins, you might increase it to $30, and so on. If a 7 is rolled and the bet loses, you would reset the bet back to $10 for the next roll.
While this strategy can be risky, as it involves increasing the bet size and therefore risking more money, it can also potentially lead to bigger winnings if you’re on a winning streak.
However, it’s important to remember to set limits for yourself and only bet what you can afford to lose.
In addition to the Don’t Come press, there are other strategies that you can use to increase your chances of winning with the Don’t Come bet.
For example, consider using a system like the Martingale, which involves doubling your bet after each loss to recoup your losses and eventually turn a profit.
This can be risky, as it requires a large bankroll and the ability to withstand a long losing streak, but it can be effective if used responsibly.
Mastering Don’t Come Betting Strategies
The Don’t Come bet is a powerful tool in craps but requires strategic finesse to maximize its potential.
Optimal Use of Free Odds
Free Odds on a Don’t Come bet can significantly decrease the overall house edge. After placing a Don’t Come bet and a point is established:
- For 4 or 10, place as much as 2-3 times your original bet in Free Odds to capitalize on the 1:2 payout.
- For 5 or 9, aim for 2 times your original bet for a 2:3 payout.
- For 6 or 8, up to 5 times the bet can be advantageous, taking advantage of the 5:6 payout.
Balancing Risk and Reward
The key to a successful Don’t Come strategy is not just in how much you bet but when you bet.
Place your Don’t Come bets strategically, based on your observation of the table trends and your current standing. It’s crucial to manage your bets in such a way that you maximize coverage without overextending your bankroll.
Advanced Betting Systems Involving Don’t Come Bets
Incorporating betting systems with Don’t Come bets can enhance your craps strategy, but it’s important to approach with caution and understanding.
The Don’t Come Press Strategy
This strategy involves increasing your bet size after a win and resetting after a loss. Start with a base Don’t Come bet, and if it wins, double the bet size for the next one. This approach aims to capitalize on streaks, but always set a cap to avoid escalating losses.
Martingale and Other Systems Applied
The Martingale system—doubling your bet after each loss—can be applied to Don’t Come bets. This system aims to recoup all previous losses with a single win. However, it requires a significant bankroll and the willingness to take on substantial risk. It’s vital to set strict limits on how far you’re willing to go before stepping back.
Kelly Criterion for Bankroll Management
For a more measured approach, consider the Kelly Criterion, which suggests betting a fraction of your bankroll proportional to your perceived edge. This system can be particularly effective for managing bets in craps, as it balances the potential for growth with the risk of ruin.
Final Thoughts
The don’t come bet is an excellent option for craps players looking to lower the house edge and potentially increase their winnings.
By understanding the basics of come and don’t come bets and taking advantage of free odds, you can make informed decisions on the craps table.
Just remember always to gamble responsibly and set limits for yourself.
Now that you’ve learned all about the don’t come bet in craps, it’s time to hit the table and put your newfound knowledge to the test.
Happy rolling!
Don’t Come Bet Frequently Asked Questions
A don’t come bet can be placed after the come-out roll, but before a point has been established.
Yes, come bets can be turned off by a player at any time.
No, you cannot turn off don’t come bets once they have been placed.
The odds on don’t pass bets are typically 1:1 for a win and 2:1 for a 12 roll (a tie).
The don’t pass line typically pays 1:1 for a win.